![National Geographic Specials Season 1 Episode 13](https://cfm.yidio.com/images/tv/19880/410147/episode-image-400x225.jpg)
Ep 13. Search for the Afghan Girl
- December 7, 2009
In National Geographic Specials season 1 episode 13, we join Steve McCurry on a journey to find the stunning but enigmatic Afghan girl whose photograph, as captured by McCurry, became one of National Geographic's most iconic covers.
The episode delves into McCurry's story and his fascination with photography, which began when he was just a young boy. He tells us about his experiences photographing people from all over the world, and how it was in Afghanistan where he witnessed the unforgettable beauty of the Afghan people, particularly the young girl who would later become known as the Afghan girl.
McCurry shares the story of how he took the photograph: how he had been in a refugee camp in Pakistan in 1984 and had noticed a group of girls sitting under a tent. He was drawn to one girl in particular with striking green eyes. She was reluctant to have her photograph taken and only allowed McCurry to take one shot, which would go on to become one of the most famous and iconic photographs of all time.
The episode then takes us on McCurry's journey back to Afghanistan in search of the Afghan girl. We see him travel to refugee camps all around the country, showing his photograph to the locals and asking if anyone recognizes her. It's a difficult search, as there are millions of refugees in the region and finding one person among them seems almost impossible.
However, through determination and persistence, McCurry eventually finds a woman he believes to be the Afghan girl. We witness as he returns to the United States to have her eyes examined and compare them with the photograph taken over 15 years earlier. The story behind the image of the Afghan girl is finally revealed, and we discover the trials and tribulations she has been through since the photo was taken.
This is a touching and emotional episode that highlights the power of photography and the human spirit. It's an exploration of the story behind one of the most well-known photographs in the world, and the incredible journey that was undertaken to uncover the truth. It's a story of hope and determination, and an inspiration to us all.